What is the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream)?

The Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) is a challenging one-year taught programme aimed at preparing graduates for a career in finance or in economics.The course was developed in response to demand from financial service companies for specialist graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in areas such as econometrics, financial derivatives, data analytics and advanced financial analysis and interpretation.The course was developed in collaboration with companies in the financial services sector with the aim of producing high quality graduates with quantitative and analytical skills who would have a capability to work in specialist roles in economics and finance.

The delivery of the programme incorporates lectures, workshops by leading financial experts, a dedicated seminar programme on topics relating to finance and economics and visits to financial services companies. Additional practice-based training is provided in key skills areas such as econometrics, derivatives, analytics and corporate financial interpretation. Students receive specialised training in quantitative financial methods, business simulation and monetary economics and use the full range of financial software that is available to students within the Business School including Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times.

Who is the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) for?

The programme will provide you with a challenging experience; help to expand your knowledge and skill-set whilst at the same time develop new mindsets and attitudes to prepare you for the demands of the business environment. The MBS programme provides students with the opportunity to enhance their specialist subject knowledge, experience innovative learning methods and explore opportunities arising from innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development.

Equally, the programme allows for rational and reflective observation across the spectrum of subjects, scrutinising and appreciating the norms and inter-relationships in business. Furthermore, you will acquire competencies to undertake both standard and specialised research over the duration of the programme that will enhance your independent learning and organisation skills.

Course Objectives

The course aims to equip graduates with modern tools for effective decision making and to provide them with the ability to evaluate their decisions in the context of complex institutional frameworks.

The specific objectives are:

To equip students with an advanced level of knowledge of the theories, models and practice in their subject specialisation together with an understanding of how each integrates within the wider business environment.

To foster a learning environment that stimulates the personal and professional development of students in an interdisciplinary format.

To develop high levels of proficiency in research through the undertaking of a dissertation project in a chosen area.

To focus on an exploration of the interrelationships across business functions using case studies with a view towards documenting best practice.

To facilitate the transition from college to the world of work.

If you have a degree in finance or economics or a general business degree with a finance and economics major/specialisation and you would like to pursue a career in finance or in economics, then this programme has been designed with you in mind.

Please note: The Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) is offered both full time and part time mode. If you are interested in pursuing the programme part time please contact Dr. Sheila O'Donohoe at [email protected]

How to Apply

Career Opportunities

The course addresses a clear need for graduates skilled in the application of specialist financial techniques including econometrics and data analysis techniques. The programme provides graduates with practical and quantitative skills in financial analysis, corporate financial interpretation, financial derivatives and risk management The learning and assessment approach in heavily informed by industry with participation from leading financial service companies in the delivery of the programme. The MBS (Economics and Finance Stream) is closely linked with the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research, the Centre provides updates to students on current ideas, thinking and employment opportunities in the financial services industry. WIT also has a well established Careers Centre and website providing support and advice to students.

In our recent survey of graduate employment, 85% of graduates are now in employment in positions such as investment banking, corporate banking, trading/dealing, portfolio management, asset pricing, treasury, capital markets (equity, money, bond, FX and derivatives markets), risk management and financial analysis. There is a growing demand from a cluster of financial service companies in the south east for finance and economics graduates and the relevance and transferability of the skills developed on the programme ensures that graduates are in demand from companies outside the region such as Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London).

A graduate may also apply for further post gradute Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research in WIT or to other third level institutions, either nationally or internationally.

Student Testimonials

“The Masters in Business (Economics and Finance Stream) is a programme that is well received by finance and banking companies in Ireland and overseas. The content is relevant and the applied learning allows graduates to easily transition into the industry.”

Denise Molloy, Investment Banker, Barclays Capital.

“This is a flexible and very relevant programme that meets the needs of the banking industry. The content and the delivery approach is very suited to current requirements within the financial services industry.”

Colin Brett, Senior Manager, Allied Irish Banking.

“The Masters programme provides an invaluable experience to participants in preparing them for working life. It broadens your understanding of your own specialist area and gives you an insight into the different elements/departments which are at the core of every organisation. I think that employers are now looking for individuals who have gone that extra step and are continuing in education to develop their knowledge base and improve their job prospects.”

Marion Hickey, Allied Irish Banking.

"The MBS program at WIT can be summed up in one word, intense. It was only after graduating that I had the opportunity to consider the sheer scale of what I had achieved by doing this course. One of the most attractive elements for me was the variety of delivery and the practicality of the modules. Employers know that with an MBS from WIT that you’re not only superbly educated, but that you’re practically orientated, hardworking and possess a gritty determination that means you will succeed in any environment. As a graduate, you know that you can walk into any interview, for any job with the utmost confidence that the experience has given you the tools stand out from the competition."

Sam Deegan (Graduated in 2015) and is currently working as a Junior Economist with the Irish Economic and Evaluation Service in Dublin.